The UK has implemented routine vaccination for children against chickenpox
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
O’Mahony, Elizabeth
Fitzgerald, Felicity
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
A universal chickenpox vaccination has been included in the routine childhood immunisation programme since January 2026 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; given in a 2-dose schedule at 12 and 18 months as part of the combined measles/mumps/rubella/varicella (MMRV) vaccine. New evidence on the burden of disease in the UK and on whether circulating varicella zoster virus reduces shingles cases in older adults has led to this new recommendation. The MMRV is an established vaccine with good evidence to its efficacy and safety, including demonstration of significant reductions in chickenpox-related mortality, morbidity and costs after universal implementation in other countries.
Date Issued
2026-06-01
Date Acceptance
2026-04-07
Citation
Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin, 2026, 64 (6), pp.85-89
ISSN
0012-6543
Publisher
BMJ Publishing Group
Start Page
85
End Page
89
Journal / Book Title
Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin
Volume
64
Issue
6
Copyright Statement
© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2026. This is the author’s accepted manuscript made available under a CC-BY licence in accordance with Imperial’s Research Publications Open Access policy (www.imperial.ac.uk/oa-policy)
License URL
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2026-04-20